10 Reasons Why Boomers (and Beyond) Should Attend NYC MPG: Big Boom Road Show

1. You can make it happen soon.

Taking a career break takes time, right? Time to plan; time to be gone; time to wait until the timing is right. But Meet, Plan, Go’s NYC shindig on September 20, 2014 is right around the corner. All aboard!

2. You know you wanna go.

On a career break, I mean, but why not the MPG event too? Harboring dreams is nice, but letting dreams set sail is nicer. If you’ve been fantasizing about extended travel for years (decades?), you’ve got to be getting closer to takeoff. Put away that delay and focus on the desire.

3. You’ll reap from the investment of a whole $99.

$99? That’s pocket change these days—a few minutes with a doctor, a moderately-priced dinner out, or a couple cab fares to nowhere. That $99 even includes beverages, lunch, and drink tickets. Wisely part ways with that Ben Franklin and get closer to parting ways with ennui.

4. You’re not getting younger.

Hey, Boomer: know those sensations like aching joints, weight gain, and lingering lethargy? That’s called aging. It’s normal. A career break will kick your butt at times, true. But nonstop new sights and sounds will also boost your spirits and fill you with newfound vigor. 

5. You’ll face your fears.

At this MPG get-together, the nagging drones of worry will get out-shouted by empathetic cheerleaders who’ve mastered the game. You’ll leave with less fear, more faith, and the strength to put your fears where they belong: In the past. 

6. You’ll hear from some savvy, skilled role models.

Not to worry: The speakers and panel leaders are just folks—not lucky millionaires or trust-fund brats. But they’ve somehow managed to run away for months (or years!). Solo. With family. Or with new friends they’ve met along the way.

How? They’ll show you. 

7. You’ll meet other dreamers and schemers.

Tips and tales are essential, but you’ll also find ample inspiration by simply surrounding yourself with dozens of fellow trekkers. There’s power in numbers—and in sharing your vision with someone who will think you are not nuts, but brilliant.

8. You’ll get answers to YOUR questions.

Will Vietnam have Prilosec (or whatever)? What’s the best way to buy RTW airline tickets? What about bringing my kids or grandkids? Whither my cat? People who’ve been there and done that will talk to you 1-1. Heck, your cat may even find a habitat for his sabbatical.

9. You’ll have some laughs.

Hey, this isn’t brain surgery. And while running away for months is serious business, the goal is a joyful journey. You’ll need to pack your sense of humor to endure snafus. And you’ll definitely hear some hilarious stories about the pratfalls and epiphanies of long-term travel.

10. You’ll learn about re-entry.

All good things must come to an end, it’s the same with a fantasy trip. So you’ll get strategies for returning to work, routine, reality, or retirement. Yes, you can (and probably must) go home again. But that’s the perfect place to rest up and start scheming your next BreakAway.

Kirk Horsted blogs at MakeYourBreakAway.com and offers speeches and seminars too. Since 1990, he’s taken five sabbaticals ranging from 35 to 355 days, from Grandma’s farm (SD) to Waiheke (NZ). He’s embarked alone, with partner, and with his perfect children. When he must, he works as a writer, creative consultant, and college teacher.  



Other comments

9 Comments on "A Year in Paris"

  1. Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am 

    I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
    It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
    I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂

  2. Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am 

    Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).

    In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!

  3. Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm 

    Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!

  4. Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm 

    Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.

  5. Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm 

    Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!

  6. Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm 

    merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!

  7. shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am 

    you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!

  8. Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am 

    […] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels!  Any […]

  9. G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm 

    I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.

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